WaterSki Magazine

WATERSKI Magazine
2009-12-29 14:26:48 | 1527 views | 0 Comments

BOAT REVIEW

With a USA Water Ski record-approved hull, the T5 is Centurion’s flagship three-event ski boat. But its simple, focused interior, with a low-slung, removable rear seat for increased driver visibility, not only lends itself to early morning sets; it also puts this tournament-capable ski boat at a price point that budget-minded skiers will appreciate. The standard 270 hp engine provides plenty of power for this nimble 20-foot direct-drive to soar through the course, or upgrade to 340 hp for an even more impressive hole shot. Either way the Centurion T5 has a lot to offer buyers looking to spend most of their water time skiing.

PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS
The USA Water Ski-approved hull of the T5 features a deeper-than-usual V shape that not only allows it to slice through small, private lakes, but also to hold its own on public water, handling rough water better than most hard-core ski boats. In both cases, the wakes are small and spray is minimal, making its performance suitable for a wide range of skiing abilities from course novices to tournament vets.

At less than 21 feet long, this direct-drive handles as nimbly as you’d expect it to, and shoots out of the hole with rocket-ship acceleration. We prefer the upgraded 340 hp engine, which can power this boat to 36 mph in little more than 5 seconds. Thanks to an optional, passenger-side ballast, whether you’re skiing with an observer or just a driver, you can fill up the 400-pound tank to balance the on-board weight and optimize tracking ability. That precision makes great scores possible.

SPECS
Passengers: 8
Dry weight: 2,600 lb.
Draft: 26 in.
Load capacity: N/A
Fuel capacity: 32 gal.
Storage capacity: 27.5 cu. ft.
Bow: 6.5 cu. ft.
Center: 14.5 cu. ft.
Rear: 6.5 cu. ft.
Platform: 8 sq. ft.
Interior gunwale height: 26 in.
Sun-pad area: 8.25 sq. ft.

STANDARDS
Base price: $30,895
Engine: MerCruiser 5.7L, 270 hp
Prop: Acme 13 x 11.5 three-blade
Wake shaper: Adjustable plate
Pylon: Swivel
Mirror: Windshield-mounted
Driver’s seat: Bolster
Dash: Carbon fiber, tilt steering wheel
Gauges: 5-inch, Faria
Gas fill: Starboard rear
Cooler: 10 in. x 36 in., under floor
Cup holders: 3, plastic
Rub rail: Plastic
Platform: Teak
Trailer: Single axle
Graphics: Seven graphics available
Colors: Up to three deck and hull color choices and multiple accents

OPTIONS
Engine: MerCruiser Mag 5.7L, 315 hp; MerCruiser Black Scorpion 5.7L,
330 hp; MerCruiser Black Scorpion 6.2L, 340 hp
Cruise: PerfectPass
Ballast: One 400 lb. front tank
Tower: Tribal; Swoop
Racks:  Clamp
Wake shaper: Bennett trim tab
Mirror: Tower-mounted
Stereo: AM/FM/CD Sony deck with MP3 output, four Kicker speakers, amp, subwoofer, remote, tower speakers, XM satellite radio
Driver’s seat: Swivel, bolster
Platform: Fiberglass with rubber
Rub rail: Stainless steel
Trailer: Disc brakes
Misc.: Heater, Bimini top

Also in this line: ELITE BOWRIDER
This cousin to the T5 is another nimble direct-drive but measures 21 feet, 6 inches long.

Phone: 209.384.0255
Web: CENTURIONBOATS.com